Tucked somewhat inconspicuously off San Pedro lies a warehouse space among more industrial buildings. Walking inside you’re greeted by years’ worth of home hewn posters for decades of shows—six and a half as of this year—with names you’d probably recognize. The Pajama Game, Fiddler on the Roof and even most recently the mold-breaking Broadway rock musical RENT. For 65 years, Musical Theater Southwest has brought an inclusive spirit to the art of musicals with a focus on the Albuquerque community. It’s this spirit that led to their current Showcase Series, which encourages singers of any level of theater involvement or experience to audition for themed programs of solo performances, duets and group songs, all directed by MTS’ Production Coordinator Tevin Brown.
“For me, I believe my main goal is to maintain it as a huge safe space for anyone coming from any different background,” says Brown when asked what makes MTS and this particular series a boon for the community. “Theater saved my life.”
Brown originally found the world of theater in their home state of Florida, which diverted them from involvement in gang activity. He expresses wanting that opportunity for others who might want to foster, or outright discover, their own talent in a space welcoming to both “MTS veterans and up-and-coming people.” Brown will even perform in one of the showcases highlighting staff and past cast members of shows that have run in MTS’ regular season.
Part of what makes MTS an exciting space is that, given its non-profit status, it is not beholden to cater to safe or mainstream tastes and can explore darker, more edgy subject matter. Such was the case with their recent run of the aforementioned RENT which deals plainly with queerness and the AIDS crisis, as well as last year’s performances of Next to Normal—Brian Yorkey’s off-Broadway show that deals with a relatively “typical” family dealing with heartbreaking and debilitating mental illness. Next to Normal was, in fact, Brown’s first proper show as production coordinator after making a career shift from film back into the world of theater.
The MTS Showcase Series continues with a Valentine’s Day-themed program of songs based on romance, fittingly titled Love is in the Air. The showcase was auditioned and rehearsed months back, with Brown specially suiting performers’ talents with carefully selected songs. In addition to these opportunities, MTS also features community workshops in its huge rehearsal spaces which take up about two thirds of the building proper. Any aspiring rising stars should take note that Brown will soon be holding auditions for the series’ March, April and May programs.
Love is in the Air
Feb 9th & 10th, 7:30pm
$15 or $25 for couples
Musical Theater Southwest
6320 Domingo Rd. NE, Ste. B, Albuquerque, NM 87108